Confectionery dreams for local baker Makati
After Makati Lepuru acquired enough experience as a baker at Function Cafe in Ivy Park, he decided to start his own confectionery shop which specialises in oreo, red velvet, caramel, Bar- One, chocolate, carrot and fruit cake.
POLOKWANE – Makati Lepuru opened his business, Makati’s Cakes, in 2014 with funding from NYDA and never looked back since. When South Africa went into lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Lepuru’s business only started to grow.
The 34-year-old Luthuli resident specialises in oreo, red velvet, caramel, Bar- One, chocolate, carrot and fruit cake.
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He said when he started the business eight years ago, it sometimes felt like his efforts were useless.
“I couldn’t always produce my products due to a lack of encouragement, but I didn’t give up. Now, I am proud to say I baked cakes for some of the biggest events in South Africa, including the ANC 108 celebration in Modimolle, as well as the 30-year anniversary for the South African Municipality Workers Union. I bake good cakes for local clients, but I want to supply my products to big companies across the country as well,” said Lepuru.
According to him, it can sometimes be a gamble to have your own business because some customers do not pay what they owe you, and this can kill a business.
“Even though I have a passion for my work, it isn’t easy to run a confectionery company as it requires patience and passion. It is important to set goals for yourself and for your business and to pace yourself. Successful and happy people set measurable goals for themselves,” he said. Lepuru told BONUS he wants to help grow the South African economy and create employment.
He added his dream is to grow the business and employ more people to break the chain of poverty.
“I always preach the gospel of learning to my employees so they can one day start their own businesses and employ more people,” he said, and advised the youth not to depend on the government or expect anyone to help them.
“We should create our own businesses as youth and avoid being on the streets abusing drugs and alcohol, as this can prevent us from reaching our goals. Use everything around you to realise your dreams. It is not about luck, it is all about your attitude,” he concluded.
